Public Safety Communications Specialist

City of McKinney, TX

McKinney, Texas

Aug 08, 2018

Full Time
Dispatch and Telecommunications
Fire and EMS
Public Safety

Salary: $42,624.00 - $62,658.00 Annually

Job Description

Summary

WORKING FOR THE CITY OF MCKINNEY Working for the City of McKinney is more than a job. It is an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. It is also an opportunity to have a hand in the development of one of the fastest growing communities in the nation. In 2014, our community was named "The #1 Best Place to Live in America." Although proud of that honor, everyone on our team is committed to making McKinney an even better place to live, work and raise a family. That's why we exist.

OUR CORE VALUES City of McKinney employees work hard and at a very fast pace. However, we also look after and support one another. All of us are guided by four employee-generated values - Respect, Integrity, Service, and Excellence (RISE). We are also supported by servant-based leaders who foster and support a healthy, family-oriented culture. All new employees are expected to embrace and live by our core values and commit to helping us sustain our exceptional work environment as a high performance organization.

SUMMARY OF POSITION Under general supervision, receive and process requests for police, fire and emergency medical services in high stress situations; answer non-emergency and emergency 9-1-1 phone lines; dispatch and deploy public safety personnel to calls for service; operate various telecommunications equipment. Ability to Work any assigned shift (days, evenings, nights), must be willing to work holidays, weekends and overtime, as needed for scheduling purposes. Perform other assigned duties as required.

All qualified applicants will be notified of the testing details via e-mail and must have a current e-mail address. The computerized testing process evaluates typing, listening, reading and multitasking ability.

Applicants are not eligible to test if they have tested or failed any portion of the hiring process within the previous 6 months or if you do not meet the requirements of the new Tattoo Policy. (See tattoo policy below)

Personal history statements will be distributed following successful completion of the testing process. The hiring process for candidates that complete all portions of the pre-employment screenings may take 1-4 months. (See details of the process below)

Essential Functions/Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

GENERAL EXPECTATIONS FOR ALL EMPLOYEES In order for us to continue to achieve our primary function of making McKinney a better place to live, work, and raise a family, we hold these expectations for all employees.

Learn and demonstrate an understanding of how team, department, and City goals are interconnected.

Contribute to a positive work culture.

Ability to assess his/her work performance or the work performance of the team.

Contribute to the development of others and/or the working unit or overall organization.

Ability and willingness to work as part of a team, to demonstrate team skills, and to perform a fair share of team responsibilities.

Ability to continuously learn and develop through a mix of internal and external training opportunities, and if applicable, encourage subordinates to do the same.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Answer multi-line, 9-11 emergency and non-emergency calls and dispatches and deploys public safety personnel to calls for service.

Simultaneously listen to and comprehend both telephone and radio traffic often under loud and stressful conditions.

Operate multi-channel public safety radio system.

Assist with and record requests for police or fire and emergency medical services from the public and departmental personnel via telephone and radio utilizing a computer-aided dispatch system.

Communicate effectively, courteously, and clearly in English, verbally and in writing; includes speaking distinctly, responding promptly, and hearing in the normal range to protect the safety of officers and the public.

Ability to be called in to work on short notice whenever emergent situations or weather require.

Ability to work in a team environment; contribute as a team member and treat co-workers, subordinates and customers with respect.

Build professional relationships with internal staff and customers.

Offer flexibility and adaptability, especially during times of stress and change.

Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

Required Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS A high school diploma or GED, plus four years' experience in a high public contact that required decision making and problem solving under stressful conditions. Prior experience in a multi-task environment involving data entry, phones and/or radio communications. Four (4) years of any combination of Police, Fire, EMS, Military or other high-volume applicable dispatch environment.

Phase 2 - Preliminary background screening, skills testing, and compatibility testing. Preliminary Background ScreeningAdditional information to include full name, date of birth and government identification (ex: drivers license or identification card) will be required to test in secured areas of the Public Safety Building.

Skills TestingThe CritiCall Skills Test evaluates data entry/keyboarding speed, multi-tasking, memory recall, map reading, numerical prioritization, reading comprehension, spelling and sentence clarity. An overall score of 80% or above is required to proceed in the hiring process. If you do not pass this portion of testing, there will be no further processing, you may re-test after a six-month waiting period.

Compatibility TestingSelect Inc., Compatibility Testing evaluates a candidate's suitability for the position of Communications Specialist. Compatibility tests will be scored at a later date in conjunction with the background investigation.After successful completion of the Skills testing, and completion of the compatibility testing you will be given a Personal History Statement packet to complete and return within ten days.

Phase 3 - Background and Interview ProcessAfter a background investigator reviews your personal history, you will go through the following steps below. The order is determined by needs and schedules. You will only move to the next step if you pass the previous step. This portion of the process can require 2-8 weeks for completion.

Preliminary PHS review and interview

Thorough background investigation

2-hour Observation in Communications

Oral Review Board

Interview with the Communications Manager

Conditional Job Offer

Polygraph examination

Psychological examination

Medical screening

Final Job

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS Once the application has been submitted, the Human Resources Department will contact all qualified applicants by email with details on the testing date, time and place. Make sure your application has a valid email address listed.

Once you have passed phase 2 requirements, you will need to provide copies of the following documents with your Personal History Statement, if they apply to you. Please do not submit originals as they will not be returned. If any applicable documents are missing, your application may be rejected.

Birth certificate or adoption papers

College Transcripts*

Copy of driver's license

Credit report and bankruptcy papers if applicable

Divorce decree

High School diploma or GED

High School transcripts*

Marriage license

Military DD214

Proof of motor vehicle insurance

Recent photo

Social Security card

*Contact each school attended and request a certified copy of your transcripts. Each must be in an envelope sealed by the school when submitted to the Department. Send them to:

You will be required to provide copies of the above documents at the time your Personal History Statement is due. Please do not use originals, as they will not be returned.

SELECTION PROCESS Submitted applications will be reviewed with emphasis placed on an individual's qualifications and overall experience in the areas directly related to the job function. The applicants who possess the potential to meet our needs will be invited for an interview. The selected candidate will be subject to a background investigation and drug screening.

Expected Duration- The current external job posting will remain on the McKinney Website for the duration indicated on the posting. Upon closing the process to fill the position will begin immediately and is expected to take approximately six weeks.

Reapplication Process- All applicants who are not notified of a permanent disqualification may immediately re-apply for this position when posted by the City of McKinney.

WORK ENVIRONMENT Work takes place in a relatively safe, secure, and stable environment with periods where errors can lead to significant physical consequences.

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work being performed as of the date of preparation and approval. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of the position. Employees holding this position will be required to perform any other job-related duties as requested by management. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee, and all requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.

The City of McKinney is an equal opportunity employer (EOE) committed to an alcohol / drug free workplace and to providing equal opportunities regardless of age, race, color, gender, religion, national origin, marital status, veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status.Closing Date/Time: Continuous

Employer: City of McKinney, TX

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About City of McKinney

The elements that made McKinney unique from its beginnings are the same that continue to attract residents, visitors and businesses to our community today. Beautiful tree-lined streets, diverse residential neighborhoods, outstanding educational opportunities, a robust business environment, a charming historic downtown and a strong sense of community make McKinney truly stand out. The city's Unique by nature brand is more than a tagline, it embodies the community's willingness to work together to make McKinney a great place to be. As one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation, residents, businesses and visitors show that they strongly embrace the community's vision and strong overall quality of life.

Just 30 miles north of downtown Dallas, McKinney is a picturesque city with a small-town feel that is quite different from the Metroplex's urban sprawl. Our friendly charm, green spaces and comfortable pace belie the fact that McKinney, with a population of 180,000, is one of the fastest-growing cities in America.

While many factors combine to make McKinney a truly special place in America, it is the people in McKinney who bring these vibrant qualities to life. That community spirit is evident in a friendly, safe and inviting city that holds strong ties to its roots and history while enjoying rapid economic development and continually adding new amenities that compliment and expand our unique quality of life.